Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the Neuse River and Research Triangle during departure, plus the Appalachian foothills and Pennsylvania landscape during the cruise phase. While Lake Ontario on approach is impressive, the takeoff and midpoint scenery from the right side offers more varied and interesting geography.
Flown RDU to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Toronto is 541 miles (870 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with the ridge-and-valley topography becoming visible around the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border. The Susquehanna River is visible near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As the flight progresses northward into New York and approaches Lake Ontario, the terrain flattens significantly. The Finger Lakes region of New York may be visible on clear days, appearing as elongated north-south water bodies surrounded by rolling terrain. The flight typically passes east of the Allegheny Mountains, following a corridor that keeps major cities like Pittsburgh to the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Neuse River and the Research Triangle urban area during the initial climb-out northward. The contrast between developed areas and surrounding pine forests is distinctive in this region.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during the final approach from the south. The lake's expanse and the city's downtown skyline along the shore are striking visual landmarks.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Toronto. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the Neuse River and Research Triangle during departure, plus the Appalachian foothills and Pennsylvania landscape during the cruise phase. While Lake Ontario on approach is impressive, the takeoff and midpoint scenery from the right side offers more varied and interesting geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River and the Research Triangle urban area during the initial climb-out northward. The contrast between developed areas and surrounding pine forests is distinctive in this region. Notable sights include: Neuse River, Research Triangle Park (visible as clustered development), Durham-Chapel Hill urban corridor, surrounding pine and hardwood forest.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during the final approach from the south. The lake's expanse and the city's downtown skyline along the shore are striking visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline).
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Toronto?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 541 miles (870 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with the ridge-and-valley topography becoming visible around the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border. The Susquehanna River is visible near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As the flight progresses northward into New York and approaches Lake Ontario, the terrain flattens significantly. The Finger Lakes region of New York may be visible on clear days, appearing as elongated north-south water bodies surrounded by rolling terrain. The flight typically passes east of the Allegheny Mountains, following a corridor that keeps major cities like Pittsburgh to the west.